Because Kaitlyn got Married: The Details

Although we were blessed to have so many loved ones by our sides on this wonderful day, there were a few who are no longer with us whose presence was greatly missed. It made me very happy to have them there in spirit on my bouquet and close to my heart.

Because the setting at the Shedd was already so aesthetically captivating, I knew I didn't want to go overboard on flowers. I wanted colorful yet elegant centerpieces so we went with the jeweled candle holders and brushed silver flower votive's on the tables. 

For the head table, we re-purposed the bridesmaid flowers and displayed them in a row which looked perfect with the coral table runner and the parent's tables held the lavish tall centerpieces. Jenna from Avant Gardenia was a delight to work with and replicated my vision to a T. I will never get the image of all the bright colors out of my mind, it was like a painting.

This was the grand entrance to our dinner setting...Between the larger than life pillars and vibrant up-lighting, I felt like I was in a dream. I kept walking around wide-eyed, finding it hard to accept that this was all for us. Even with all of our planning and site visits, I didn't know it would turn out this good...

Much like finding the right photographer, going with the perfect bakery was high on my list. If you know me, you know I have a huge space in my heart that can only be filled with cupcakes so I knew we were going to go that route instead of a traditional cake. Something about the shape and size of cakes makes them so much more fun than a slice of something and this way, our guests could try a variety of flavors. 

Speaking of flavors, we had an amazing taste test with Luscious Layers and these were the ones we went with: Mojito, Cookies & Cream, Banana Nutella, Champagne & Strawberry, and Lemon Raspberry. There was something for everyone, but for me, there was only Banana Nutella. I die.

Thank you all for enjoying a small piece of my favorite day with me!
And a special thank you to Gina & Tony for capturing it in the best way...

Because Kaitlyn got Married: The Day

I am so excited to post my official wedding photos today! Prior to the wedding, everyone told me how important it would be to take a moment during all of the chaos to reflect on it all so I tried to do that during each phase of the day and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.

The bridesmaids started arriving at 6:00 am, partly because there were so many of us and partly because we were too excited to sleep!

I was adamant about wearing blue shoes, yes to match the bridesmaids, but also because I'm always a sucker for a pop of color. This idea completely confused my Grandmother but when she saw them in person, she warmed up to it and decided it was absolutely perfect :)

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I have never felt as pretty as I did on this day. I knew this was the right dress the moment I put it on, but it was a different story with my hair. I was insanely specific about how I wanted it styled (no up-dos - all result in tears, no joke) 

All my life, I had imagined walking down the aisle with long loose waves because that's when I feel most like myself and thank you to Zano's, my wish was granted. With the curls cascading over my shoulder, the keyhole back was still a main focus (the highlight of the dress!)

Holy handsome!

Even the priest took a moment during the ceremony to point out the crazy amount of blue. "I just have to ask, was there sale on gym shoes?"

Aren't my bridesmaids gorgeous? Even though only a few of them are related, I consider them all to be family. Their bright blue J. Crew dresses and the coral/pink flowers looked better than I even imagined...one of my ultimate color combos!

I decided to skip the "first look" idea in order to have a traditional ceremony because I was so excited to experience that surprise moment when I saw him waiting for me at the end of the aisle and let me say, there will never be words to describe that emotion. My whole body was shaking and between the mixture of laughter and tears, I was on cloud nine.

That being said, this was one of the only moments my new husband and I were alone all day, so these are a few of my favorite photos - just him and I gushing over the day.

What is a wedding at the Shedd without Jellies?!

My husband calls this photo "the girl on fire" - Who needs Katniss Everdeen? ;)

One of the reasons we picked the Shedd (amongst many!) is because I think it has the greatest view of the city skyline so it was important to me to spend part of the night on the gorgeous terrace. In addition to cocktail hour, we spent some time taking photos and dancing in the (brief) rain drops which was one of the most memorable parts of the evening. It unplanned, imperfect and just right. 

Stay tuned for wedding details tomorrow...

Because Kaitlyn is Going to the Chapel...

My fiance and I have will have been engaged almost two years when we get married tomorrow and saying that it has been a whirlwind is an understatement. Even though we had a lot of time to plan, we were always busy doing something whether it was another detailed visit to the Shedd, cutting string for the invites (trust me, it made the difference), sending umpteen thank you's for our wonderful gifts, or buying our first home together!

Our families and friends have been more amazing than words can say with their support and patience and I feel lucky to be so loved. 

Speaking of love, I can't wait to marry mine. He's been my best friend for 7 years...

Now it's time to make it forever.

I look forward to sharing wedding and honeymoon photos with you when I return but until then, we have some great posts planned so enjoy!

#Kaitlyn (almost a Mrs!)

Because We Went to the Shedd

Lisa and I recently visited the Shedd Aqaurium with our family - It was her first time there and I think she was just as excited as my 2 year old niece and 5 year old nephew. We knew they would love all the "Nemo" sightings and we also wanted to make them familiar with the place, as it is the venue for my upcoming wedding. I can't wait to dance with him in his handsome tux and her in her princess garb.

Here is what I wore for a Sunday Shedd visit:

Can we talk about my love for this bag? It's got a nautical vibe which I'm a huge fan of  and the netural pallette makes it easy to pair with a wide variety of styles. And it's called the beachfront which just makes it 10x more amazing.

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar) / Jeans: H&M / Top: Old Navy / Scarf: Target/ Sandals: Target / Bag: Just Fab 

Watch: Michael kors / Earrings: Kate Spade

Curly or straight, fall or summer, I've clearly developed an obsession with this scarf that I swapped from Lisa...AND my jean jacket. Like, I wear it an embarassing amount. It goes with everything! See what I mean? Jessica knows what I'm talking about!

Do you have an item that you wear over and over?

#Kaitlyn